U-M Sophomore Pitcher Haylie WagnerOn learning she would start tonight ... "It felt really good hearing my name and hearing that I would be starting, just knowing that I've gotten back to the place I want to be and to be pitching; that's what I love to do."

On throwing her first few pitches ..."I feel great being out there. I still have improvements to make in my pitching and to keep getting healthy, but I'm getting there. Being out in the circle today felt really good."

On how her mindset has evolved for her sophomore season ... "I believe that my mindset and my mental game have really improved a lot. I have to continue getting stronger mentally and physically. I believe not playing at the start of the season has made me a stronger pitcher, player and person in general."

On her first start of the season ... "Being in the circle every single time is a great feeling, it's an adrenaline rush to have the ball in my hand and be in control of the game. [Tonight] wasn't that different. It was similar to beginning my freshman season because it's a new beginning, but it was like any other game once I threw that first pitch. It was like being home again."